Australia is one of the most mysterious countries in the world, often referred to as the pearl of the Southern Hemisphere. One of the first words that come to mind when speaking about Australia is diversity. As a country occupying an entire continent, it amazes with its contrasts. Here, you will find stunning beaches with crystal clear waters, surrounded by wild coastal forests, and just a few hours’ drive away, majestic mountain landscapes and breathtaking deserts.
The uniqueness of Australia lies in the fact that it is the only country without any land borders with other nations. It is like a separate world with its own traditions, culture, and natural wealth. Each city reveals a different aspect of this country, so to fully acquaint oneself with Australia, one should explore several places. We will provide detailed information about where to visit and what to see further on.
Sydney
Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales, although many tourists are surprised to learn that the city does not hold the status of Australia’s capital. The scenic beauty of Sydney is mesmerising, as confirmed by numerous accolades designating it as one of the most beautiful places in the world. The city is located in the southeastern part of Australia, along Port Jackson Bay. To the west, it borders the Blue Mountains, while to the east lies the majestic Pacific Ocean. The elegant silhouettes of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, rising against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers, attract tourists from all over the globe, captivating them at first sight.
In Sydney, you will find a plethora of events and entertainments to suit every taste. Enthusiasts of active leisure can indulge in surfing at the famous Bondi and Manly beaches. For those who prefer cultural events, there are concerts, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions taking place in the city every day. A must-visit includes Taronga Zoo, home to over 2,600 representatives of unique animal species, and the Royal Botanic Garden. Unforgettable natural landscapes can be admired at national parks and reserves like Ayers Rock and Uluru. Sydney’s culinary opportunities will also leave you impressed. The city offers a rich selection of restaurants with international cuisine, cosy cafes, and authentic markets with fresh produce and unique delicacies.
Perth
Next on the list is the magnificent city of Perth, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, which amazes with its blend of modernity and natural beauty. Despite its considerable size, Perth is considered an isolated place, as the nearest major city is over 2,000 kilometres away. However, this will not hinder an incredible vacation: here, there is an abundance of beautiful beaches with soft sand and breathtaking views of the sea, where you can enjoy the golden sunset.
A landmark attraction of Perth is Kings Park, a stunning oasis sprawling right in the heart of the city. Strolls along picturesque trails allow you to relish the enchanting aromas of native flowers and rare plants. From Kings Park, you can enjoy delightful panoramic views of Perth and the Swan River, making for truly amazing photographs. For those seeking aquatic leisure, a visit to Leighton Beach is a great idea—a superb spot for beach relaxation, surfing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. And if you’ve been considering underwater swimming, there is no better place than Mettam’s Pool. This naturally formed lagoon is the best snorkelling spot in Perth. The shallow reef allows you to observe a variety of marine plants and animals that inhabit the area.
Cairns
This vibrant corner of Australia, situated in the northeast of the Queensland state, promises unforgettable experiences and a variety of adventures. Although the town is considered provincial, its stunning landscapes and constant appeal to tourists clearly indicate otherwise. Cairns is renowned for its breathtaking tropical scenery and rich vegetation, and the first thing that captivates you is the humid tropical climate and abundance of greenery. The beauty of Australian tropical forests, the encounter with rare bird species and exotic animals, will provide an unforgettable travel experience.
The location in Cairns that will undoubtedly charm you is the Great Barrier Reef. According to CNN, the Reef is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Travellers from all over the world come here to immerse themselves in the world of underwater wonders and reef inhabitants. Whether you enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, or prefer observing the colourful corals from the boat, the Great Barrier Reef has everything you need. Cairns is delightful throughout different seasons: summer is perfect for beach activities and water sports, autumn for hot air ballooning and bungee jumping, winter is best for visiting cultural landmarks, and in spring, you can take a stroll in tropical forests, zoos, and lookout points.
Melbourne
The diversity of Melbourne is its hallmark. Here you will discover districts that differ in character and atmosphere. From modern skyscrapers in the business district to cosy nineteenth-century neighbourhoods with narrow streets, Melbourne encompasses all sorts of variations and unique architectural styles. For creatively inclined tourists, Melbourne will be a revelation. Here, you will find numerous museums, galleries, and art exhibitions that will help you delve into Melbourne’s history and witness its contemporary transformations.
Active tourists will not be idle in this city either, as regular championships in tennis and Formula 1 racing, as well as horse racing and various tournaments, take place here. Melbourne is generally considered a bustling city. A wide variety of holidays, festivals, carnivals, and parties truly capture the spirit of the city. Among the attractions worth highlighting are the Melbourne Aquarium in the city centre, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Museum, Rippon Lea House and Historic Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and a multitude of other interesting locations.
In short, Australia is full of surprises and options for exciting pastimes. Unfortunately, describing all the worthy cities and their iconic places is quite challenging, but it can inspire curious travellers to make their own discoveries and experience this magnificent country in their own way.
How to find the time to visit all the cities in Australia
Every city in Australia embodies a unique atmosphere, breathtaking architecture, and captivating views. It is definitely worth visiting each of them to experience the country from different perspectives. However, when it comes to moving from one city to another, many questions about time management, organisation, and location search arise. To make the preparation process easier for you, we have prepared some useful tips that will help you take control of all aspects of your future journey.
1. Create an itinerary. Australia is a vast country, so the journey may take a considerable amount of time. Determine which cities you would like to visit and consider the most efficient ways to travel from one point to another. Evaluate the routes and create a rough schedule with allocated time for each location.
2. Rent a car. There is no more convenient way to travel between cities than car rental in Australia. Numerous car rental companies offer a variety of car models to choose from, making it easy to find a suitable option based on capacity and required features. By booking a car online or at the airport upon arrival, you can save a lot of time waiting for a taxi or public transport. Also, remember that traffic in Australia is on the left side. Cars in Australia can be rented on the website of LocalCarRents.
3. Plan your time wisely. The main rule is not to rush, as the journey is about enjoyment, not a hurried pace. Do not try to see everything at once. Stick to a flexible schedule to have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in and explore each city more deeply. Discover its unique atmosphere, culture, and landmarks. And then, after fully embracing one location, move on to another.
4. Do not forget about relaxation. Long journeys can be tiring, so it is essential not to ignore regular breaks. Choose comfortable hotels and campsites for overnight stays and enjoy the unique nature that Australia offers. During breaks between visiting cultural sites and mesmerising natural locations, sample local dishes in restaurants and cafes.
Leaving one city in Australia after another, you gain an astonishing experience of getting to know the various facets of this extraordinary country. The process of learning about the culture, nature, and daily life of each city transforms, broadens horizons, and enriches life.